Finally I can share what I painted for my Dad's birthday/Fathers Day present (since he received it last weekend). I have really spent a good part of my painting time this year on animals, mostly birds and flowers. It's nice to switch things up. The more realistic works hold a different type of creative release and satisfaction. They are not as loose as the abstract but I love the building of the layers and how they eventually get to the point of where I want them. All of these type of pieces I go through the same process. For the first few (or 10) layers I will absolutely hate it. A lot of them are requests or commissions and I am not sure if it's challenge or the added pressure of commissions but I will regret the paintings for the first few sessions I work on them. I swear the only factor that gets me to keep working is that I committed to the client and would hate to let them down.By around the 3rd or 4th time I sit down with a piece, it will begin the turning point. When I start to feel some progress. That the shape starts to form and the shading starts to reach my preferences. They take much longer and are a fantastic exercise of my patience, that has been know on occasion to be short. The longevity of the more realistic work has shown me to embrace that I even have a process and just let it happen. Happy Birthday Dad!

3 days filled to the brim with over 350 artists within a mere few city blocks. If you have never been .... GO! If you are a yearly tropper....... PLEASE COME AGAIN!I'll be there on 105th Street (beside Chapters) and Whyte Avenue, within the tent area waiting. Come say hi!

My planned trip to Fort McMurray did not happen! Long story short, there was a miscommunication and a hefty license fee for outside residents..... thanks Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Way to be friendly to us outside folk trying to bring you some pretty things you may not have available to you. But I digress........The circumstances still did not stop this newest owl from headed North. He barely had time to dry and he was sold. I've really grown to love painting these wise little guys. I've already got a new commission lined up for the next.

Just finished this bright little numbers. I have strayed too far from my abstract love. These are both yet to be titled but they remind me of summer and a splash of Caribbean adventure. I will have them both with me this Saturday at Art in the Park.